Leh Ladakh

Upon arrival at Leh airport in morning, our representative will be there to meet you and transfer to the pre-booked hotel for check in. It is advisable you use this day to acclimatize to the low air pressure at higher altitudes (11,562 ft.) of Leh. Afternoon free for leisure. Later in the evening, we will take you to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace. Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms.

After breakfast, we will be visiting Shey Gompa, Thiksey Gompa and Hemis monastery. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey Gompa was built in the beginning of 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal. One of the major attractions in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue located inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa is located close to Shey and is about 17 kms from Leh. This monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis monastery is about 45 kms south of Leh. It is one of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh. This beautiful monastery belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17′Th century. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh. Stop at Rancho School (popularized by movie “3 Idiots”) on your way back. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Nubra Valley. En route visit Khardung-La, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380ft. The pass on the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to public motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by the Border Roads Organization, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the valley of flowers. It is situated to the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. Arrive at Hunder & check in at Hotel. Nubra literally means the "Valley of Flowers". The double hump Bacterium Camel ride along in the sand dune is something one must experience. Later visit Diskit Village & enjoy the Camel ride on sand dunes. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/guest house.

After early breakfast, check out around 8 am and start your journey alongside Shyok River. This route follows the Shyok River from Agham to Shyok Village, 36 km. You will have to cross the water streams on the way.  Stop at Shyok village for a quick bite and snacks and move to Pangong Tso which is perhaps one of the most amazing lakes in Asia which changes its color 4 – 5 times a day. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Pangong Lake. The Pangong Lake or “lake of the great hollow” is considered as the largest lake in Asia. The water is clearer though salty. It is believed that these waters must have been fresh at some ancient age. The mountain ranges at the Pangong’s north-western extremity are of lime stones which seem to affect its water. The Crystal clear salty water shines in many shades of blue depending upon its depth. It literally changes shades with sunlight. With a backdrop of mountains of various hues and colors, it is a sight for the Gods. At an elevation of 4300 meter, the air is cool even in summers at Ladakh. Pangong Lake is about 4 Km wide on the average and at least 136 Km long. The extent of the known portion is, therefore, upwards of 250 square miles (400 sq km) On the way back to Leh, you will cross Spangmik, Lukung, Tangste, Durbuk and Chang-La. Chang-La is situated at a height of 5360m. ASL. Stop here for quick tea and snacks and move towards Leh. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

After breakfast at hotel, we will drop you at Leh airport for your onward journey.